Two 18-year-olds charged with sexually assaulting 14-year-old girl at Heritage High School

SAGINAW, MI — Two 18-year-old men are charged with engaging in sexual acts with a teen girl while the three were students at Saginaw Township's Heritage High School.

As reported Thursday by WNEM, TV5, and WJRT, ABC12, Preston M. Walker Jr. of 320 S. 20th in Saginaw was arraigned Thursday on two felony charges in a Dec. 14 incident at the school on North Center.

Walker is charged with third-degree criminal sexual conduct against someone ages 13 through 15 and conspiring to commit that crime.

Walker's arraignment before Saginaw County District Judge M.T. Thompson occurred two days after Deon L. Fleming was arraigned on three felony charges: the same two that Walker faces as well as an additional third-degree criminal sexual conduct charge.

Fleming, who lives in Camelot Place Apartments in Saginaw Township, was arrested Monday evening. Walker turned themselves in to authorities.

Fleming and Walker, then 17, were arrested Dec. 14 after a female classmate alleged they sexually assaulted her on the school's campus, Saginaw Township Police Chief Donald Pussehl said at the time. Authorities released them pending further investigation the next day.

TV5 reported the teen victim is a ninth-grade student; ABC12 reported she was 14 at the time of the incident.

Third-degree criminal sexual conduct involves penetration and carries a maximum penalty of 15 years in prison. The conspiracy charge carries the same penalty. The arrest warrants for Fleming and Walker charge them with engaging in sexual acts other than intercourse.

Saginaw Township Board of Education members on Monday expelled Walker, TV5 reported, because of a “Level 4” violation — the most serious violation in the school district.

According to a recommendation filed by Saginaw Township Community Schools Director of Human Resources and Labor Relations Tony Skowronski, “the investigation confirmed that the complaint was valid and that (Walker) was one of three students who had been culpable of violating the School Code of Conduct. (Walker) has denied his part in the event. The Superintendent Level Hearing Committee found that his denial was not credible.”

Fleming and a third student also were found to have committed a “Level 4” violated and were disciplined, but not suspended, Skowronski said. Punishment for “Level 4” violations can range from a “short time off” to expulsion, Skowronski said.

Fleming and Walker were members of the boys basketball team.

In arraigning Fleming and Walker, Thompson entered not guilty pleas on their behalves and held them on bonds of $15,000 or 10 percent and $10,000 or 10 percent, respectively. Both posted bond and remained free today.

Fleming and Walker are scheduled for a April 9 preliminary hearing before Distict Judge A.T. Frank.